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From Boom to Balance: Unpacking Florida’s 93% Migration Shift

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The "Florida Fever" that defined the early 2020s is officially cooling. New data reveals that the Sunshine State’s net domestic migration has plunged a staggering 93% over the last three years . While the headlines might sound alarming for real estate developers, a closer look suggests we aren't seeing an exodus, but rather a market normalization . Florida is shifting from "breakneck growth" to a more sustainable, calculated pace. The Numbers Behind the Shift According to the latest U.S. Census data, Florida gained just 22,517 new residents via net domestic migration last year. To put that in perspective, look at the trajectory since the peak: ​  Why the Slowdown? The days of "remote work from anywhere" are hitting a wall of reality. Several key factors are tempering the inbound surge: • Return-to-Office Mandates: As major corporations pull employees back to HQ, the flexibility that fueled the 2021 move-ins has diminished. • The Insurance Cris...

Testing the Future of Hospitality: Bringing Scandinavian "MyCabin" Prefabs to the Green Mountains

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​ There is something transformative about the Vermont landscape—the way the mist clings to the pines in the morning and the silence of a snow-covered valley. When we began planning our new resort project, we knew that traditional hotel "blocks" wouldn't cut it. We wanted our guests to feel immersed in the woods, not insulated from them. That search led us to MyCabin. MyCabin is a prefab builder that has perfected the art of the Scandinavian retreat. We are currently in the deep-testing phase of these units to see if they are the right fit for our Vermont expansion. Here is a look behind the scenes at why we’re excited and how we’re putting them to the test. Why MyCabin? The "MyCabin" philosophy aligns perfectly with the Vermont ethos: efficiency, sustainability, and a deep respect for the outdoors. Their flagship model, the My Milla, offers a lofted sleeping nook and massive floor-to-ceiling windows that turn the Vermont forest into living wallpaper. But for a r...

Is 2026 Finally the "Year of the Housing Factory" in California?

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​ If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I’m obsessed with one thing: finding a better way to get more people into homes. We’ve been talking about the California housing crisis for decades, but the solution always seems to be stuck in the same slow, expensive mud of traditional construction. Lately, there’s a buzz in Sacramento that feels a bit like back to the future. State legislators, led by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, are making a hard push to make 2026 the Year of the Housing Factory. But before we get too excited, let’s keep it real—we’ve heard this "revolution" story before. The Ghost of Housing Past Back in 1971, George Romney (HUD Secretary at the time) predicted that within a decade, two-thirds of all U.S. housing would be industrialized. He was standing in front of a factory-built home in Michigan that looked like "a boxcar with picture windows." Fast forward five years: the federal money ran out, the vision tanked, and the dream of the fa...

The "Easy Money" Trap: Lessons from the Cape Coral Flip Crisis

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In the world of real estate development, there’s a thin line between a calculated risk and a blind gamble. Recent reports out of Cape Coral, Florida, show us exactly what happens when that line is crossed by "rookie" investors fueled by high-leverage private credit. The story in Cape Coral is a sobering one for those of us in the industry. What started as a pandemic-era gold rush has turned into a landscape of abandoned job sites, rotting work permits, and "for sale" signs face-down in the weeds. The Rise of the "Institutional" Hard-Money Loan Historically, "hard money" was the domain of local lenders who knew every street in their zip code. They were conservative, requiring 40% down and charging double-digit interest. They were a barrier to entry for the inexperienced, which—ironically—protected the market from overheating. But over the last decade, we’ve seen the rise of standardized private credit. Large investment firms began bundling short-t...

Unveiling a Vision: A New Era for a Storied Mountain

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We're thrilled to share a groundbreaking master plan that will transform a beloved but underutilized mountain into a premier, world-class resort destination. This comprehensive vision builds upon the rich history and natural beauty of the area, creating an unparalleled experience for all who visit. From Rustic Charm to Refined Alpine Luxury Our approach is rooted in a deep respect for the mountain's heritage, carefully integrating its existing character with modern amenities and expanded terrain. The goal is to blend an authentic alpine feel with the sophistication and convenience demanded by today's discerning travelers. The Heart of the Resort: A Pedestrian-First Village At the core of this transformation is a thoughtfully designed base village, conceived as a vibrant, pedestrian-only hub. Imagine stepping off the slopes directly into a bustling plaza, where a grand lodge welcomes you with crackling fireplaces and stunning mountain views. This central gathering place ...